Insiders say Fullerton, with its pedestrian-friendly streets and no-nonsense shops and eateries, feels more like a Midwest town than a swinging Southern California hangout.

Nights heat up with live music at the Continental Room, Slidebar and Max Bloom's Café Noir.

There's a community vibe and seemingly no tension between town and gown. Cal State students tote laptops to the Green Bliss cafe while silver-haired men sip beer on weekday afternoons next door at Stadium Tavern. On Sundays, they all gather to watch football there.

Days are for strolling through vintage clothing stores such as ModTex or collections from upscale Lolo Boutique or whimsical Oh, Hello Friend. Then wind down at the Twisted Vine, where you might catch City Council folk sipping red wine, munching charcuterie and celebrating those big decisions.

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